Former midfielder Danny Murphy believes Arsenal are the team to beat in the Premier League title race this season — with Manchester City the only realistic challenger capable of derailing them.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Murphy pointed to Arsenal's winning momentum, defensive solidity, and the rare advantage of retaining both their manager and core squad while bolstering the group with fresh quality.

"I can't look past Arsenal as champions. The main reasons being the momentum and confidence they will have from winning the Premier League already, but also the consistency of having the same manager and same players and just sprinkling even more quality on top," Murphy told BBC Sport.

Continuity as Arsenal's greatest strength

Murphy stressed that one of Arsenal's biggest assets heading into the new campaign is familiarity. The squad has not lost any of its key players, meaning a group well-versed in manager Mikel Arteta's demands will return with their understanding and cohesion fully intact.

"They have not lost any of their best players and they have got a group who know what the manager expects from them and are completely on board with it," he added.

Arsenal also arrive into the season having beaten Manchester City in the Community Shield, a result Murphy cited as further evidence of the north London side's upward trajectory.

Man City still dangerous

Despite favouring Arsenal, Murphy was careful not to dismiss Manchester City's threat. He argued that regardless of who takes charge in the dugout and whichever opponents City face, the club's attacking firepower ensures they will continue to score freely and collect victories.

"I look at the firepower Man City have got and, whoever the manager is and whoever they are playing against, they are still going to be able to score a lot of goals and win a lot of games. I would still have them as being Arsenal's nearest rivals," Murphy said.

Murphy did acknowledge that his assessment could yet shift before the summer transfer window closes, with several top clubs still expected to complete significant business in the weeks ahead.